Reform UK has emerged as the leading recipient of political donations in the first quarter of the year, amassing £9 million and outstripping all other parties. The surge in funding was driven by substantial contributions from cryptocurrency billionaires based overseas, including £3 million from Thailand-based Christopher Harborne and £4 million from Hong Kong-based Ben Delo.
Donations by Party
The Conservative Party secured the second-highest amount with £6 million, followed by Labour at £4 million. The Liberal Democrats received £2.9 million, while the Green Party garnered approximately £300,000.
New Donor Cap
A new cap limiting donations from foreign-based individuals to £100,000 per year was implemented at the end of March, following scrutiny over large contributions to Reform UK. Reform leader Nigel Farage is currently under investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner regarding a £5 million gift from Christopher Harborne, which was received prior to Farage announcing his candidacy. Meanwhile, Ben Delo has announced plans to relocate to the UK to circumvent the new foreign donor cap.
